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The Park has many amazing visual and experiential sites. Below are just a few examples. Come visit Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve to see what the community is so excited about.
Introducing a trail system that would allow visitors to enjoy the natural landscape while respecting the ecology of the preserve was of the highest priority. The specific ecosystem determined the type of trail material to be used. Areas that would sustain heavy foot traffic were constructed of brick pavers. The 8-foot wide brick paver trail allows water to infiltrate and return to the adjacent native prairie while offering a suitable path for bicycles, wheelchairs, strollers and walkers.
Granite fine paths meander along the perimeter of the central and southern trails of the preserve. Allowing a higher amount of infiltration, the granite fine paths make a suitable environmental for mountain bikes and hiking shoes.
Boardwalks were installed in wetland areas, encouraging visitors to observe the unique plant systems that thrive in a wet environment. The boardwalks are comprised of the same sustainably harvested redwood that was used in the construction of the Pavilion. Hardy, long-lasting wood reduces the impact on our natural and human resources.
The smallest trail system, created using wood chips, brings visitors to an area that hosts numerous native plant species as well as a view of the Coffee Creek riparian corridor restoration. The wood chipped trail has the least impact on the native ecosystem and allows the greatest amount of infiltration.
Theories vary among environmentalists, conservationists and preservationists when discussing the introduction of trails into a natural area. While some believe that a 'hands-off' approach is the best way to maintain a balanced ecosystem, others follow the thinking that, while a minute number of plants will be impacted when introducing a trail, encouraging humans to become a part of the natural landscape through education and site visits is the best way to ensure the future of our natural environment as a whole. By inviting visitors into the 167-acre preserve, we provide learning, recreational and social experiences that have dwindled since development has increased in the past 60 years.
Click here for a panoramic view of the boardwalk pathway.
In an effort to provide preserve visitors an opportunity to view wetlands, swales and marshes without negatively impacting the natural resources of the preserve, boardwalks were constructed above key ecosystems. The redwood boardwalks meander through the preserve allowing visitors to see first-hand: aquatic plants, habitat and wildlife.
The Pavilion, built in 1999 with the assistance of the local high school building trades class, consists of 22 Indiana limestone columns, two 100 square foot fireplaces and a roof structure of sustainably harvested, second growth redwood. The 1920's architecture of the Pavilion, keeps with the period design of the adjacent Morgan's Corner neighborhood. The materials used in the Pavilion, as well as the other structures in the 167-acre preserve, were part of a well-thought out plan to create a sustainable neighborhood. Selecting materials that are hardy, as well as locally produced addresses both the environmental initiatives of Coffee Creek as well as the economic sustainability of the region. Redwood is deemed the hardiest of building woods, yet not available in the Midwest; therefore, designers opted to make their purchase from a managed redwood farm in Northern California. The purchase was the largest of its kind in the United States.
To learn more about the pavillion, including rental opportuities, click here.
Click here for a beautiful 360-degree panorama view of the Amphitheater.
The Chesterton Amphitheater was created in response to the natural contour of the land. The setting is reminiscent of the traditional European open civic areas, most often used for theatrical events. Stressing the importance of water infiltration, the stage area and adjacent seating area are constructed of red brick pavers while the larger outlying seating area consists of turf grasses. An area that calls out to the visitor for an impromptu picnic, song or dance, the Chesterton Amphitheater is the site of over 50 wedding ceremonies each year.
Guests are shaded by a composite of Shade Sails that were custom designed specifically for the Chesterton Amphitheater. The Shade Sails, from South Africa and hand sewn in Australia, blanket the stage area May through September.
To learn more about the amphtitheater, including rental opportuities, click here.
Click here for a beautiful panorama view of the Creek Overlook boardwalk.
In keeping with the desire to bring humans into the natural environment, key areas of interest were drawn out to allow a temporary stopping ground to see and learn about the landscape.
The Creek Overlook and Trellis Overlook are located in areas where major riparian restoration was completed in 1999. Strong currents had rapidly eroded the banks, dropping sediment directly into the creek. Sediment is the highest polluter of natural waterways in the United States. Using the same building materials used in other structures to again support the local economy and utilize natural resources with the addition of Poe Lope wood. Harvested in Costa Rica, this wood, used for the benches, is hardy enough to endure the harsh Midwest climate along with human interaction.
Click here for a spectacular 360 degree panorama view of the Trellis Overlook walkway and here for an interior view.
In keeping with the desire to bring humans into the natural environment, key areas of interest were drawn out to allow a temporary stopping ground to see and learn about the landscape.
The Creek Overlook and Trellis Overlook are located in areas where major riparian restoration was completed in 1999. Strong currents had rapidly eroded the banks, dropping sediment directly into the creek. Sediment is the highest polluter of natural waterways in the United States. Using the same building materials used in other structures to again support the local economy and utilize natural resources with the addition of Poe Lope wood. Harvested in Costa Rica, this wood, used for the benches, is hardy enough to endure the harsh Midwest climate along with human interaction.
Storm water management lies at the very heart of Coffee Creek Center’s environmental initiatives. As development occurs throughout the country, most conventional storm water control systems have proven destructive to the natural environment. Increasing storm water flows contribute to channelization of natural waterways. Pollution from roads and parking lots is carried into streams. Temperatures in these waterways rise above their historic levels and contribute to the loss of natural habitat. Coffee Creek’s standards reflect the search for alternative to these impacts.
Click here for more information about the level spreader system, including an animation showing its full functionality. Or click here for a downloadable brochure (PDF 944KB).
Instead of the customary rural septic system with a tank spilling waste water into an absorption field spread out over a broad area, the wetlands utilizes a natural biological and chemical reaction to cleanse wastewater.
It works like this: wastewater is routed from a septic tank into the constructed wetland. There, the bacteria that live around the plant roots naturally break down the organic matter in the water. Finally, the treated water drains from the other side of the wetland. It is a horizontal rather than vertical concept with only clean water sinking toward the aquifer. The smell, fortunately, should never make it into the open air.
The chemicals and processes that produce it will all be confined underground as part of an innovative piece of technology.
The wastewater wetland cell utilizes a natural biological and chemical reaction to cleanse wastewater; instead of the customary rural septic system with a tank spilling wastewater into an absorption field spread out over a broad area.
The wetland cell works like this: wastewater is routed from a septic tank into the constructed wetland. There, the bacteria that live around the plant roots naturally break down the organic matter in the water. Finally, the treated water drains from the other side of the wetland.
It is a horizontal rather than vertical concept with only clean water sinking toward the aquifer. The smell, fortunately, should never make it into the open air. The chemicals and processes that produce it will all be confined underground.
Phillips Pond is the most recognizable focal point of the Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve. At the center of the pond is a 40+ foot fountain that offers a cool mist on breezy summer days. At the June 8, 2001 dedication ceremony, the pond was named after the late Chesterton High School athlete, Josh Phillips who embodied the zest for life that families share while visiting the preserve.
The Water Plaza hosts a series of three waterfalls that replicate the grand waterfall at the Chesterton Amphitheater. The Water Plaza is a series of brick patios along Village Point to enjoy a picnic lunch, start a nature hike or use as a backdrop for special photographs.
Click here for an amazing panoramic view of Weir Bridge.
Realizing the impact man has had on our natural environment, we must respond to how he has affected the water's ability to flow in a more limited area. Historically, water infiltrated into a natural, native landscape that consisted of root systems often greater than 8 feet in depth. With the reintroduction of a native prairie adjacent to Phillips Pond we have a better opportunity to allow water to act as it did for thousands of years, prior to the introduction of Eurasian plants brought by settlers of the late 1800's. The need to maintain a more consistent water level of Phillips Pond is mandated by the delicate ecosystem surrounding its edges. The Weir Bridge stands above the Weir structure, which assists in keeping the water level of the pond consistent throughout the year.
An emerging solution to the challenge of urban stormwater management is the use of green roofs. Easily utilized on the flat roofs of many commercial, industrial or civic buildings, green roofs are used to store stormwater falling on the roof and use it for irrigation of rooftop vegetation, irrigation of landscaping or infiltration. Besides reducing land costs, by reduced needs for an area for stormwater management, green roofs often create charming outdoor space for gardens, break rooms and gathering spaces, thereby increasing building value. The restrooms (shown here) by the pavillion show a small-scale example so that the public can have a better understanding of what a “Green Roof” is.
Buffalo Grass Buchloe d. ‘Cody’
Sand Coreopsis Coreopsis lanceolata
Junegrass Koeleria cristata
Sideoats Grama Bouteloua curtipendula
Purple Lovegrass Eragrostis spectabilis
Middendorf’s Sedum Sedum middendorfianum var. diffusum
Hens and Chicks Sempervivum
These plants were selected for their shallow-rootedness (sine only 3”is on the roof) and their ability to withstand drought. Mycorrhizal fungi mix added at planting time to promote root development.
The plants and soil of the green roof insulates the building;
thus, keeping the building cooler in the summer time and warmer in the winter.
The green roof produces less runoff during periods of rain.
The runoff that is produced is slowed down so it is purified and cooled.
The green roof is aesthetically pleasing to the public.
